Zxander relaxed as he watched how Gwen handled the young prince. If it was ok with her and he posed no threat then it was ok with him. He turned to bow to Gwen after the king left but was pulled away by Masha. Having gotten use to her personality, and knowing he had to leave the queen anyway, he offered no resistance. As he was lead away he only wished he had, had the chance to signal the queen before being dragged away.
When the two of them we're young they came up with their own language, at a distance it sounded like random noise. Up-close it was gibberish, but to them they could say anything without worrying about anything. As time pasted they also developed their own code, everything from subtle changes in body language, to how they spoke to the way they phrased things, to different symbols. The one big rule was never to share either their language or code with ANYONE. The late king, may he rest in peace, and the queen are aware of the language and know that the two tend to do or say things a little different from time to time but have not been able to crack the code or decipher the language.
He wanted to let her know that no matter what he would always have an eye on her. But between being dragged away and the crown prince bringing her to a garden maze, that seemed alittle impossible. This got him thinking as he turned to follow the ladies, removing Masha's arm from his. Back home he knew every inch of the capital, every passageway, including the hidden ones, he had paced them so many times he knew the count by heart. Here he was on unknown forging soil. After setting up, he would have to explore the keep, and map out this garden maze, it could be a tactical advantage should anything happen. He was also starting to get the feeling people were getting the wrong idea about him. Gwen is his queen, yes and it is his duty to protect her yes, but to Zxander, Gwen is the last of his family, and possible the love of his life... and the thought of anything happening to her kills him. Back home, he would have been following behind the ladies, close enough that he could act but far enough to give her room. Of course back in Vecar, even before the kings death the people had embraced Gwen, she was greatly loved by her people, from the lowest peasant to the highest noble. Here Zxander knows nothing of the people, and they have yet to embrace her. Yes its true she was safe from the royals till after the wedding and until she gave them a heir, but what of the people, what of the nobles, and what of the other quest of court?
At this time Zxander looked over to Wymond who also had turned around, but he placed Ellyn's hand back on his arm and had given her a small smile. This gave Zxander an idea, "Wymond, I want you and the men to be crow. Ratimir will take two and be hound. Once everyone is together, have them join crow. You can become boar, or stay as crow, if any of the ladies want your attention." He gives a small nod towards Ellyn. "I will be eagle once we are done setting up." He didn't mind if Wymond, or any of his four, wanted to be friendly with any of the ladies, personally he saw Ellyn as an older sister, it was Julia who caught his attention. Her need for order, and safety, her commitment to family and rules. But most of all, it was her contrast to him, her push for peace and non violence compared to his life of nothing but violence and war. As for Masha, he was still unsure about her, he almost wanted to try to make her a guard but know that could never happen.
Wymond looked at Ellyn, "My lady, how has your trip been? If there is anything I can do for you, please do not hesitate to ask."
Zxander bows to the ladies, "Please excuse me ladies, I must tend to my men. I will meet you later. Wymond will look after you till then." He stands and heads off to find Ratimir and the rest of his men who are still guarding the main room. Once there he relays the same message he told to Wymond. Ratimir takes two men and heads in to the city as Zxander grabs the remaining men and heads towards were everyones quarters are.